Bowling pin spotting machine control mechanism



Jan. 25, 1966 R. E. BLEWITT, JR 3,231,272

BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINE CONTROL MECHANISM Filed May 18, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ROY E. BLEWITT JR.

ATTORNEY 1966 R. E. BLEWITT, JR

BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINE CONTROL MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 18, 1962 V\ J INVENTOR ROY E. BLEWIT'T JR.

BY um 1966 R. E. BLEWITT, JR

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BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINE CONTROL MECHANISM Filed May 18, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 3A 00 .270" 3 sAl I l l 66' $6 $5 'i FIG. 3 B

0 I 360 mt 225" 355, I 1 7423 re m5 255" 70h F] /5 245" INVENTOR ROY E. BLEWITT, JR.

ATTOR EY United States Patent This invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines and more particularly to bowling pin spotting machines for automatically spotting and respotting bowling pins on the playing bed of a bowling alley, and to improvements in control mechanisms of the electromechanical type for such machines.

In accordance with the invention, an improved electromechanical control system for an automatic bowling pin spotting machine is provided which incorporates novel electrical circuitry for improving the performance of such a machine. More particularly, the improved control system includes means for increasing the speed of operation of certain operating cycles of the machine and also includes safety provisions for preventing damage to the machine elements in the event of mulfunctioning of any portion of the mechanism during any one of its several operating cycles.

In particular, circuit means operating in conjunction with an electromechanical control system of the type which allows concurrent operation of certain major machine elements such as the table and sweep, are provided which interrupt and prevent further continuation of the machine programming if the pin gripping devices normally associated with the pin respotting units are not in operating condition during a first ball cycle. Thus, in accordance with this feature of the invention, if the pin gripping devices usually mounted on a pin spotting machine table are not fully open and ready to grip standing pins during a first ball cycle, damage to a gripping device, which would occur if a partially closed device engaged a standing pin, is prevented by novel circuitry which stops further cycling of the machine until the operation of the grippers is restored.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, means are also provided for preventing either the accidental or deliberate actuation of a detecting device from effecting the operation of an associated pin spotting machine any time after a first ball has been rolled and cycling of the machine has commenced. Heretofore, it has been possible for a bowler, if he did not like the results after the rolling of his first ball, to deliberately actuate the foul detection device and cause a new set of pins to be spotted as in a new first ball cycle. In some instances, the actuation of a foul detecting device in this manner has caused malfunctioning of the control system to the extent that the associated pinspotting machine loses its cycling synchronism resulting in interference between the table and sweep.

In addition, improved circuit means are provided in the strike control mechanism of a pinspotting machine for preventing loss of strike cycle control due to power failure, once a strike cycle has commenced. In certain prior art control circuits, loss of power during a strike cycle would cause the machine elements to either lose their cyclical synchronism, or continue in another ball cycle after power was resumed.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved bowling pinspotting machine control circuit having safety circuits cooperating with the machine programming control circuit which prevent damage to the machine elements or loss of cyclical synchronism in the event of malfunctioning of any of the operating elements of the machine.

Also, in accordance with the invention, circuit means are provided for reversing the sweep during a first ball cycle and continuing the normal cycling of the machine if an offspot pin condition occurs. Thus, if there are no fallen pins remaining on the pin deck, the playing game.

may continue since in accordance with this feature of the invention, the machine will continue its cyclingin any.

event and is always ready for a second ball whether or not an ofispot pin condition has occurred.

table structure with an offspot pin during the respotting cycle has caused the machine to halt in its operation un; and man;

til an attendant has removed the offspot pins ually caused the machine to continue its operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide an im proved offspot pin cycle circuit for a bowling pin spot-' ting machine control system which allows continuation of the playing frame without interruption, even though an offspot pin condition has occurred.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a control circuit for a bowling pin spotting machine having circuit means for effecting the several im-] provements just discussed.

With these and other objects of the invention not spe cifically mentioned in view, the invention comprises cer tain combinations and constructions which will be described fully hereinafter and set forth in the claims hereunto appended. In order to fully disclose the novel features of the present invention and their operation'in connection with the bowling pin spotting machine, they will be described in conjunction with the description of cycling a bowling pinspot a suitable control system for ting machine through all of the cycles of a normal bowling playing game.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the spotting and respotting mechanisms of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the preferred form of electrical control system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3a is a profile chart of the several cams which the sweep are operative in response to the rotation of operating shaft;

FIG. 3b is a profile chart of the several cams which are operative in response to the rotation of the table op-' erating shaft.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, the improved control mechanism is associated with and forms part of a bowling pin spotting machine provided with mechanisms for removing or elevating pins from the pit of a bowling alley, and delivering them in succession Congelli and Gordon W. Hayes application, Serial No.-

195,926, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism. In its broadest aspects, the improved master electrical control circuit for controlling the several cycles of the machine is similar in construction and operation to the programming systemdisclosed in Patented Jan. 25, 1966 p In the past, whenever such a condition arose, the engagement of the of a bowling pin spotting machine provided with a preferred embodiment of the Roger E. Dumas Patent No. 2,890,886, for Bowling Pin Spotting Machine Control Mechanism. In general a stepping relay SR1 is employed to develop the program required for the several cycles of the machine with the various contacts of the several levels of the stepper switch being operatively associated with several cam operated switches which in turn are associated with and operated by conventional table and sweep driving means respectively.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2. The mechanism illustrated for removing pins from the pit of the bowling alley is also similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in copending James D. Elliott application, Serial No. 169,225, filed January'29, 1962, now Patent No. 3,179,410, for Bowling Pin Elevating. Mechanism. Pins delivered by the device which removes or elevates them from the pit of the alley are discharged therefrom into a distributing device operatively associated therewith and which may be similar in construction and operation to that disclosed and described in copending Roy E. Blewitt, Jr. and James D. Elliott application, Serial No. 195,928, filed May 18, 1962, for Bowling-Pin Distributing Mechanism. The pins are distributed into a pin'storage device which may be of the type disclosed in copending Henry C. Congelli, Gordon W. Hayes, Harold A. Jones, and Roy E. Blewitt, Jr. application, Serial No. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism, where they are held until delivered at a subsequent time during the machine operating. cycle to a bowling pin spotting and respotting device which may be similar in construction and operation to that illustrated and described in the aforementioned Congelli and Hayes application, Serial No. 195,926 filed May 18, 1962, entitled Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism.

These mechanisms which form coacting and selectively actuated parts of the bowling pin spotting machine with which the control mechanism of the invention is operatively connected, are controlled thereby in such a manner that all sequential and cyclical operations of the machine take place in proper timed order, in spotting and respotting pins upon the playing bed of alley B (FIG. 1) during the entire course of play of a game after each normal 2 -ball frame, or after a strike, or when a foul is rolled. While reference is made to the above referred to patent applications, the present invention may be used with other types of bowling pin spotting machines with which it is adaptable and therefore is not to be considered as limited in use with the structure shown in the above referred to patents.

As shown in FIG. 1, bowling pins when struck by a ball, fall from or are removed from alley B and gutters C by meansof asweep and guard generally designated as S. The mechanism for actuating sweep and guard S is operated after each ball is rolled by a bowler. After the last ball of a frame is rolled, all pins either standing or fallen are swept into a pit P.

In the illustrated embodiment, pins falling from alley B or delivered into pit P drop onto a conveyor generally designated as E similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in Holloway et al., US. Patent 2,767,983. This conveyor is pit wide and continually in motion whereby pins are moved out of pit P and delivered to a pin storage section generally designated as 6. From storage section 6 the pins are transferred into spotting cups C1-10 comprising a portion of a table T in a manner fully disclosed in copending application of Gordon W. Hayes, Henry C. Congelli and Harold A. Jones, Serial No. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, and entitled Bowling Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism.

Table T is moved in a controlled and selective mannor to and from the alley B whenever pins are to be spotted or respotted thereon. As shown in FIG. 2, table T is generally triangular in form and supports triangularly arranged spotting cups @1 16, and 10 complementary respotter units generally indicated as grippers G. Table T is moved to and from alley B by means of a motor 150 which is selectively operated in order to spot and respot pins on the alley as the play of the game proceeds from frame to frame. Associated with table motor 150 is a shaft 152 which has associated therewith a plurality of cams indicated as TA, TB, TC. Each of these table cams has associated switches which form interlocking position control elements for the table T and sweep S in connection with the circuit of the present invention, and their functions will be described in detail hereinafter.

After each ball is rolled, sweep S is operated in proper time relation with the movements of table T to sweep unwanted or fallen pins from the alley depending upon which ball of a frame is rolled. In the operation of the machine, sweep S which also operates as a guard mechanism, is set in motion when a ball rolled by the player, lands in pit P of alley B and effects the closing of a pit switch SS (FIG. 3) which is attached to a conventional ball impact cushioning device M. The closing of pit switch SS effects the starting of a sweep drive motor 177 (FIG. 2), which in turn causes a shaft 179 to start rotating and sweep S begins its downward movement into operative guarding and sweeping positions adjacent alley B. Sweep shaft 179 has operatively associated therewith a plurality of earns generally designated as SA, SB, SC. Each of these cams also has associated therewith, appropriate switches which act as position controlling elements in conjunction with the control circuitry of the present invention.

The various circuit elements comprising the improved control features of the present invention and their cooperative relationship to each other will now be described in connection With a description of the operation of the system in accordance with the several operating cycles of the pinsetting machine.

F irst ball cycle With reference to FIG. 3, the bowler rolls the first ball of a frame which, upon arriving in pit P (FIG. 1), strikes the cushioning device M and moves it rearwardly to engage and actuate starting switch SS suitably mounted at the rear of the device M. The closing of the contacts establishes a circuit which energizes drive solenoid 30th of a multi-level stepper relay SR1 causing it to advance the associated levels thereof from step 0 to step 1. This circuit, beginning with a positive D.C. line 302, includes solenoid 300 connected thereto, conventional stepper relay interruptor contacts 304, normally closed 0 contacts of level #1 of SR1, diode 3%, pit switch SS, normally closed contacts SAlla of a cam switch SA mounted on the sweep shaft and rotatable therewith, normally closed contacts 8C1 of another sweep cam switch, to the ground return line 3%8.

Low voltage DC. for operating the several elements of the system is provided by a power supply which comprises transformer T1 which has primary windings connected. to a source of AC. through main power switch 397. The secondary winding 310 of transformer T1 is connected in the usual full wave rectifier circuit configuration to pair of diodes 312., 314, respectively, which in tuin has a junction point connected to DC. line- 302 for applying positive voltage thereto. The center tap: of secondary 310 is connected through a circuit breaker or fuse 316 to ground line 3%.

When solenoid coil 3% of stepper switch SR1 is energizcd, the interruptor contacts 394 open and the stepping; switch advances from step 0 to step 1. On step 1 thesweep motor contactor coil SK is energized through a circuit comprising a 24 volt AC. line connected to tap 318 of transformer T1 secondary winding 310, normally closed contacts RXl of a relay RX whose function will he described hereinafter, sweep contactor coil SK,-now closed contacts of step 1 of stepper relay RS1 level #2, normally closed contacts SE1 of sweep cam switch SB, to ground line 308 through normally closed contacts $01 of sweep.

5am switch SC. Energization of solenoid coil SK causes the sweep drive motor 117 to operate, by the closure of normally open contacts SKI, SK2 and the opening of normally closed contacts 8K3 and SK4. Closure of contacts SKI and SK2 places line voltage across the start and run windings 319, 320, respectively, of sweep motor 177 which may be a capacitor start motor. Closure of contact SK2 connects serially connected capacitors 324, 326 to start winding 319 through contacts SR1 and CS1. Start winding 319 is then also connected to one terminal of main winding 320, which in turns is connected to AC. line 311 through normally closed contacts SMl of overload circuit breaker 328.

Energizing contactors SK causes the sweep motor 177 to run and the sweep S to move from its upper or dwell position and descend to its normal guard position. When the output shaft 179 of sweep motor 177 has turned about 66 degrees, SB cam switch operates by closing normally open contacts SB2 and opening normally closed contacts SBl. The opening of contacts 831 de-energizes sweep motor contactor coil SK and opens the circuit just described. The sweep S is thereby halted in its dwell o1- guard position.

The profiles of the several sweep and table cams are shown graphically in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The raised areas indicate the high portions of the cam profiles, where associated switches are each changed from a normal to an operating state.

Closure of contacts SB2 completes a circuit comprising the step 1 contacts of level #3 of stepper relay SR1, a normally closed gripper protection switch GP (FIG. 2), diode 330, time delay unit 332, the contacts of step 1 of level #1 of stepper switch SR1 through interruptor contacts 304 and stepper coil 300 to line 302. Time delay unit 332. may be any suitable time delay device which provides a few seconds time delay to allow for wobbling pins to come to halt as is wellknown in this art, e.g., time delay unit 332 may comprise a timing motor with a set of contacts which close after a suitable time delay and then complete the circuit just described, or an electronic unit with an R-C charging circuit may be used if desired. At the completion of the time delay, the coil 300 of relay SR1 will be energized thereby causing the stepper relay to advance from step 1 to step 2.

The gripper protection switch just mentioned is mounted on a gripper actuating member and insures that the grippers are in their full open position and therefore are not in some degree obstructing the respot area. If, for some reason, grippers G are not fully open, then switch GP will remain open and the circuit just described will not be completed. The stepping switch SR1 will therefore not advance, thereby preventing movement of the table T until the grippers are manually opened by an attendant. For greater details as to how the gripper switch is operated in conjunction with the mechanical elements shown in FIG. 2, reference should be made to copending Henry C. Congelli and Gordon W. Hayes application, Serial No. 195,926, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism.

It will be noted that cam switch SBZ returned to ground through normally closed cam switch SCI and parallel connected, normally closed table cam switch TB1. All of the sweep and table cam switches are connected to this parallel combination, which is an additional safety feature in that it insures that the machine will not operate if the table or sweep are in the zone of interference with each other. The profiles of the cams for operating switches TB1 and SCI are such that both of these switches will be opened during any portion of the operating cycle where an interference between the table and sweep might exist. Thus, when the switches are both open, the action of both the table T and the sweep S will be stopped.

Continuing with the description of the operating cycle of the machine, when stepper relay SR1 reaches step 2, the table motor starting relay TR1 will be energized 6 through the parallel connection of normally closed contacts TB1 and SCI, step 2 of level #4 of relay SR1, normally closed contacts RX2, the coil of relay TR to AC. tap 318 of transformer secondary 310. Energization of coil TR will close normally open contacts TRl, TR2, and open normally closed contacts TR3, TR4 there by energizing start winding 334 and main winding 336 of table drive motor (FIG. 2).. As table motor 150 also is a capacitor start motor, series connected capacitors 338, 340 connected in series with start winding 334 provide the necessary phase shift for starting motor 150. As soon as centrifugal switcli contacts CS2 open, the start winding is disconnected in the usual manner from the line, and the motor will continue to run on main winding 336. An overload circuit breaker comprising fuse 342 and contacts TMI in series with main winding 336 is also provided.

Energizing the table motor 150 causes the table motor to start to run and the table descends to alley B, and by the operation of grippers 61-10, picks up standing pins which have been left standing. Simultaneously with the energizing of table motor 150, a respot solenoid 246 is energized through a circuit comprising now closed contacts TR2, normally closed contacts SP1 to the spotting solenoid coil 246. This penmits the respot mechanism to actuate the pin grippers when the table descends to a selected position above the pin deck and feels for and grips the standing pins. For more detailed operation of the respotting mechanism and the manner in which the machine picks up standing pins, reference may be made to copending Henry C. Congelli and. Gordon W. Hayes application, Serial No. 195,926, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism.

Each gripper G1-10 has associated therewith a normally open switch GSl-ltt, corresponding to switches 299 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 of the aforementioned Congelli and Hayes copending patent application. As the table begins to lift the standing pins from the deck, those gripper switches GS110 corresponding to the pins which have ben left standing, will close, thereby energizing a corresponding relay GR1-10 through a circuit comprising one of contacts GS1-10, through the coils of one or more relays GRl-lt) to the source of positive DC. potential, line 302.

Simultaneously with the energizing of one of relays GR1-10, a relay SKX will be energized through a circuit path comprising any one of gripper switches G81- 10 and one or more of diodes 344a-j. The energizing of one or more of relays GR1-10 will cause a corresponding contact GR1b-10b to close, thereby completing a circuit to light a corresponding pin indicating lamp PL1 10 in order to indicate the presence of standing pins in the well known manner.

In the meantime, the table continues to run until it reaches 260 degrees in its operating cycle as expressed in degrees of rotation of tab-1e drive shaft 152. At the 260 degree point, cam TA operates its associated switches TA1 and TAZ (see FIG. 3b). The closing of normally open contact TA1 will cause the table to continue to run through the circuit consisting of the parallel arrangement of normally closed contacts TB1 and SCI and now closed contacts TA1, to the coil of relay TR. The respot solenoid 246 will also remain energized inasmuch as the table motor circuit is still in an energized condition. When normally open contacts TA2a: are closed by the operation of cam TA, the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1 will be energized through a circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TB1 and SCI, contacts TA2a, the contacts of step 2 of level #1 of stepper relay SR1, interruptor contacts 304 to coil 300. Upon energizing the coil, the stepper advances to step 3.

On step 3, the previously energized pin detector relays GR1-10 remain energized through a circuit comprising the contacts of step 3 of level #5 of stepping relay SR1, closed contacts SKXl, diodes 346, 348 connected in paral- TAI opens.

ruptor contacts closed at this time.

lel, and the closed contacts of the group comprising GR1a-10a to the coil of relay GRl. Similarly, the SKX relay coil will remain energized through the circuit comprising one or more of diodes 344aj and one or rnore of the contacts GRla-ltla of relays GR1lti' and diodes 346, 348, contacts SKXl and step 3 of level of relay SR1. All of these relays will then remain energized until the stepper relay has left step 7. Diodes 350a-j are each connected in parallel with a corresponding coil of gripper relay GR1-10 and serve to suppress the inductive surge of these relay coils. Diode 352 is connected in parallel with the coil of-relay SKXand functions in the same manner. Diodes 344aj serve to prevent any of the gripper relaycoils GRLW from. being energized except those for which the corresponding gripper switches GSl-ltl are closed.

On step 3, the sweep S is reactivated by energizing sweep motor contactor SK through the circuit comprising parallel cam switches T131 and SCI, normally closed switch SA1 operated by sweep cam SA, and the controls of step 3 of level #2 of stepper relay SR1. After additional degrees of rotation of the sweep motor shaft 179, cam switch SCl is opened. However, the sweep S continuesto run, through'the normally closed TBl switch and the'circuit just described, and sweeps the alley of fallen pins.

The table T also continues to run on step 3 and the second revolutionof table shaft 152 commences, through the T331 switch contacts, and step 3 of level #4 of relay SR1 even after it is past the 350 degree point'a'nd switch When the sweep -motor drive shaft reaches 186 degrees (see sweep cam chart, FIG. 3a), the SB cam will again. return its associated switches to their normal position. Normally closed switchSBl will then cause the coil 300 of level #1 of stepping switch SR1 to be energized through the circuit comprising normally closed contacts TB]. and SCI, normally closed contacts SB1 which form aconnection between lines 354, 356, the contacts of step 3 of level #1 of relay SR1, to the coil 300. Energizing this stepper coil Silt) opens the inter- 3tl4 and advances the stepper from step 3 to step 4. Since the table T at this time has passed the 350 degree point, the table cam switches TAl, TAZ are again in their normal position.

On step 4, the sweep the circuit comprising cam switches'TBl connected between ground and line 354, normally closed sweep cam switch SAla, the contacts of step 4 of level #2 of relay SR1 to the sweep contactor coil SK. Contacts RXl are tinues to run through the circuit comprising normally closed contacts TBl and the contacts of step 4 of level #4 of relay SR1 through normally closed contacts RX2 to the coil of relay TR. When the sweep driving-shaft 179 reaches 256. degrees, the SC .cam will return switch "SCI to its normal position and the sweep and table will continue to run through the circuits just described.

When the table drive shaft 152 subsequently reaches 105 degrees on its second revolution, and has placed the standing pins back'on the'alley bed, the opening of switch TBl by the operation of the TB cam will not disrupt the operation of the circuits activated thus farsince operation will continue through normally closed switch 8C1. When the sweep motor. drive shaft reaches 270 degrees, cam SA will operate switch SAia and the circuit to the sweep contactor SK will therefore be interrupted. The table T, however, will continue to run through the circuit previously described. When the table drive shaft reaches approximately 255 degrees, cam TB will return its switch 'TBl to its normal'position without changing the operation condition of the machine.

At the 260 degree point of table drive shaft rotation, the TA cam will again operate theassociated switches TAT and TAZ. Closing of switch TAT will continue the operation of .the table movement through the circuit com- S Will continue to run through On step 4 the table T also con-1 terrupted by the opening of contact TA1.

prising the parallel combination of normally closed switches T131. and 5C1, normally open switch TAl now closed, and the coil of table motor contactor T-R. Closing of normally open switch TAZa will cause the coil of stepper relay of SR1 to be energized through a circuit comprising the parallel combination of contacts TBI and SCI, contacts TA2a now closed, and the contacts of step 4 of level #1 of relay SR1. The energizing of the coil will open the interru'ptor contacts 304 and cause the stepper relay SR1 to advance to step 5.

On step 5 the stepper coil 3% is again immediately reenergized through the circuit comprising cam switches TBl and SCI, cam switch TAZa, rectifier'358, and the contacts of step 5 of level #l of relay SHl, again causing the stepper relay to advance to step 6. -On step 6 the stepper coil 300 will again be energized immediately through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TBI and SCI, and normally open contacts TAZa, now closed, to the contacts of step-6 of-level #1 of relay-SR1, thereby advancing thestepper to step 7.

Since the picked up pins have now been re-spotted, on

step 7 therefore, the sweep motor will again be-started,

position, the TA cam will return the associated switches TAl, TAZ .to their normal condition and .the table motor will therefore stop since the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TBI andSCl, v

and TAlb to the coil of table contactor TR will be in- Similarly, when the sweep motor drive shaft 179 reaches the 360 degree position, it will stop'since the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches T131 and SCl-and cam switch SAlb, and the contacts of step 7 of level #2 of relay SR1 to sweep motor contactor SK, will be opened by the action of the SA cam returning its assocaited switches to the normal condition and thus opening the contacts of switches SAlb. The machine is -now in the ready for second ball condition.

Second ball cycle When the machine is in the ready for second ball condition, the table and sweep are in their zero positions, stepper relay SR1 is on step 7, relay SKX is energized and the pin relays GRl-ltl corresponding to the pins which have been left standing by the first ball are also energized. Therefore, the pin lights PL-10 corresponding to these pins are on while all other relays are deenergized. Of course, relays not herein described but which are normally associated with a pinspotting machine for operating associated units such as a distributor motor or ball elevator driving motor will be energized independently of the control system described thus far.

Upon the rolling of a second ball by a bowler, the start switch SS is'again momentarily actuated, thus causing the coil 3% of stepper relay SR1 to be energized through diode 3G6 and the contacts of step 8 of level #1 of relay SR1. The stepper relay will then advance from step 7 to step 8. Advancing the stepper to step 8 will also cause the sweep to run down to its forward guard position at the 66 degree point. Since sweep contactor SK will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TB'l and SCl, normally closed contact SE1, and the contacts of step 8 of level #2 of relay SR1 to the coil of relay SK. When the sweep motor shaft has rotated 66 degrees, this circuit will be interrupted and the sweep motor will stop. Simultaneously, since at this point the SB cam operates switch 881, as just described, it will also close the circuit comprising the parallel Combination of normally closed cam switches TB1 and SCI, cam switch SBZ, the contacts of step 8 of level #3 of relay SR1, through the time delay device 332 to the contacts of step 8 of level #1 of relay SR1 and thus to the interruptor contacts 304 and the coil 3% of relay SR1. At the completion of the time. delay, stepper coil 3110 will again be energized causing the stepper relay to advance from step 8 to step 9.

On step 9, the sweep S will commence its travel across the pin deck to sweep the deck of fallen pins, since the sweep motor contactor SK will be energized by a circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TB1 and SCI, normally closed contact SAla, connecting line 358 to the contacts of step 9 of level #2 of relay SR1, thence to the coil of sweep motor contactor SK. When the sweep motor drive shaft reaches the 76 degree position, cam SC will operate its associated switch SCI but the sweep motor energizing circuit just described, will be maintained through the still normally closed cam switch TB1. I

It is assumed that on step 9 there are 10 pins in the lower level of a pin storage bin of the type described in detail in copending Henry C. Congelli, Gordon W. Hayes, Harold A. Jones, and Ray E. Blewitt, Jr. application, Serial No. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism. As disclosed in this application, pins are transferred to spotting cups C1-10 (FIG. 2) from a pin storage section 6. Briefly, this transfer involves the rotation of cups 32 from an upright pin-cradling position to an upside-down or inverted position in whfch the pins drop into the spotting cups (31-10. In the control circuit for this storage section, 'as shown in the above identified application, certain switch actuating cams are driven by the motor responsible for rotation of the transfer cups 32, the operation of these switches being such that a relay having normally closed contacts TPRx will be initially de-energized when the transfer cups are in their upright position and then energized as these cups are rotated fully to their inverted position. The closed condition of the contacts TPRx at the beginning of transfer of pins to the spotting cups C1-10 will eifect energization of stepper relay SR1, thereby advancing the relay from step 9 to step 10. The operation just outlined, however, is based on the assumption that the transfer cups 32 contain a full set of ten pins which are then available for transfer to the spotting cups C1-10. For reasons explained in the above identified application, Serial No. 195,923, if at this time (i.e. upon energization of relay SP) a complete set of ten pins is not available for transfer, the transfer cups 32 will then be in the inverted position. The transfer cups 32 will be reversed to an upright position to receive pins upon completion of the distribution of ten pins thereto by a distributor which is the subject matter of the copending application of Roy E. Blewitt, Jr. and James D. Elliott, Serial No. 195,928, fiied May 18, 1962, and entitled Bowling Pin Distributing Mechanism to which reference may be made for this phase of operation. In the meantime, the relay having the contacts TPRx will be energized and therethrough the activation of stepper relay SR1 will be momentarily delayed.

Since the aforesaid relay TPR is de-energized, indicaing that there are 10 pins in the lower level of the storage bins, stepper relay SR1 will be immediately energfzed through a circuit comprising a parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TB1 and 8C1, normally closed contact TAZb, contacts TPRx of relay TPR, the contacts of step 9 of level #1 of relay SR1 through the interrupter contacts 304 to the coil 31111 of the stepper relay, thereby causing stepper relay SR1 to step from step 9 to step 10.

On step 10 the sweep will continue to operate, through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of nor mally closed cam switches TB1 and SC1,-normally closed 10 contacts SA1, to the contacts of step 10 of level #2 of stepper relay SR1, to the sweep motor contactor coil SK.

As soon as the stepper relay SR1 reaches step 10, a relay SP will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TB1 and SC1, normally closed contacts TAZb of cam switch TA2, normally closed contacts RX2 of relay RX, and the contacts of step 10 of level #6 of relay SR1, to the coil of relay SP which has a terminal connected to the positive D.C. line 302. Energizing relay SP will cause the transfer of pins to the spotting cups C1-10, and also has the elfect, more fully described in the copending Roy E. Blewitt, Jr. and James D. Elliott application, Serial No. 195,928, filed May 18, 1962, for Bowling Pin Distributing Mechanism, of influencing operation of the pin distributing mechanism under certain special circumstances.

The sweep which has been running while the transfer of pins from the transfer cups to the spotting cups C was taking place as generally described above, now approaches the 186 degree position at which point the SB cam will again return normally closed switch 8131 to its normally closed condition. The table motor contactor TR will therefore be energized through the circuit comprising normally closed switch TB1, the contactsSBl of cam switch SB, and contacts TPRb of relay TPR (as shown in the bowling pin storage and delivery mechanism of copending application Serial No. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, inventors Hayes, Blewitt, Congelli and Jones) which is now closed, through the contacts of step 10 of level #4 of relay SR1, the normally closed contacts RXl of relay RX to the coil of table contactor TR. When contactor TR is energized the table motor will be energized and will cause the table T to commence its descent towards the alley 13. However, at this time, since relay SP is also energized on step 10, the spot solenoid 166 will be energized and the respot solenoid 246 de-energized. This operation is effected through the closure of contacts SP2 to energize spot solenoid 166 and the opening of normally closed contacts SP1 to deenergize respot solenoid coil 246. This will. then permit the table T to go its spotting height to spot the setofpins which has just been received from the pin 6. The sweep S which has been continuing to run, now approaches the 250 degree position whereupon the SC cam will again close cam switch SCI. This event will occur before cam TB operates to open cam switch TB1 at the 105 degree position of table rotation (see FIGS. 3a, 3b). Therefore, the circuits which have been operating the table and sweep motors and 177 respectively, will continue to operate even after the table reaches 105 degrees opening switch TB1. When the sweep reaches the 270 degree point in its cycle of travel, it will be stopped since the previously described circuit for operating the sweep contactor SK will be interrupted by the opening of the nor mally closed cam switch SA1 at this point (see FIG. 3a).

The table, however, will continue to run by means of the previously described circuits. Thus, when the 105 degree point is reached, although cam switch TB1 is operated and opens, it will not interrupt the circuit since at this point normally closed SC switch has again closed. Further, at the 255 degree point of table shaft rotation, and after a new set of pins have been spotted, the table operated cam TB will again return normally closed switch TB1 to its normal position, and at the 260 degree point the TA cam will again operate its associated switches TAl, TA2. Once switch TAl is operated the table will continue to run through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed contacts TB1 and 8C1, normally open contacts TAl which are now closed, to the coil of table motor contaotor TR. When norm-ally open switch TAZa closes, the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1 will again be energized through a circuit comprising the parallel combination of TB1 and SCI, cam switch TAZa, the contacts of step 10 of level, #1 of stepper relay SR1, interruptor contacts 364 and thence to the coil 3%, thus advancing stepper relay SR1 from step 10 to step 0, the home position. On step 0 the table T will continue to run through the circuit just described until it reaches the 350 degree position at which point the TA cam again returns its associated TA switches to their normal positions, thus opening norm-ally open contacts TAl and interrupting the circuit to the table motor contact TR.

Since stepper switch SR1 is now on its 0 position, sweep motor cont-actor SK will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of T131 and SCl, contacts SAlb, now closed, the contacts of step 0 of level #2 of stepper relay SR1 to the coil of sweep cont actor SK. At 360 degrees of rotation of the sweep motor shaft 179, the SA cam will again return the SA switches to their normal position and the circuit just described for energizing the sweep motor contactor SK will be interrupted and the sweep will stop.

It was assumed in the above description that when step 9' of stepper relay SR1 was reached during the second ball cycle, there were 10 pins in the lower level of the bin 6. If it is assumed that there are not 10 pins in the lower level of the bin at the time that step 9 is reached, as indicated by the 'fact that relay TPR (not shown), is energized, the sweep nevertheless will continue to run through step 9 by means of the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switch-es T131 and 8C1, normally closed contacts SAla, the contacts of step 9 of level #1 of relay SR1 to the coil of sweep motor contactor SK. At the 270 degree position when cam SA is again operated, normally closed contacts SAla will open, interrupting the circuit just described, and the sweep will stop. in the meantime, when the 10th pin is subsequently delivered to the bin 6, relay TPR becomes tie-energized in the manner described in detail in copending application of Gordon W. Hayes, Henry C. Oongelli, Harold A. Jones and Roy E. Blewitt, In, Serial No. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, entitlted Bowling Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism. The stepper is then advanced from step 9 to step 10 in the manner previously described and the rest of the cycle is completed in the same manner.

Strike cycle The strike cycle commences in the same manner as a normal first ball cycle, since at the time that the machine operation starts it has yet to be determined that there are no pins left standing. Thus, when the ball hits the cushion device M, the sweep S descends to its guard position of 66 degrees and, after a suitable time delay as provided by time delay unit 332, the table T starts to descend.

However, when the table descends to the height at which it would normally pick up standing pins, all of the grippers G close since no pins have been left standing. None of the gripper switches 6814i) will be operated and therefore none of the relays GR1-10 will be operated, nor will relay SKX be operated since there is no circuit through any of the gripper switches to operate this relay. When the table, therefore, reaches 260 degrees and the TA cam operates its associated TA switches, relay SRK will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBl and SCI, contacts TAZa now closed, the contacts of step 3 of level #7 of stepper relay SR1, normally closed contacts SKX2 through diode 369 to the coil of relay SRK, the other end of which is connected to the source of positive DC. control voltage.

Once energized, the coil of relay SRK remains energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TB}; and SCl, sweep cam switch contacts 8132 now closed, diode 362, normally open contacts SRKI now closed, to the coil of relay SRK. The relay SRK is also held energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of contacts TBI and SCI, the normally closed contact TAZb of table cam switch TA, diode 364, normally open contacts SRKI to the coil of relay SRK. Therefore, relay SRK will remain energized until both the SB and TA cam switches are opened. This occurs after the completion of the sweep travel across the pin deck, when the table has reached its 270 degree position after spotting a new set of pins, which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The energizing of relay SRK will also cause relay RX to be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches T131 and SCI, the contacts SE2 of cam switch SB now closed, the contacts of step ,3 of level #3 of stepper relay SR1, to diode 366, normally closed contacts TF1, normally open contacts SRK2 now closed, diode 368, to the coil of relay RX, one terminal which is connected to the source of positive DC. control voltage by means of line 302. When relay RX is energized, the sweep S is prevented from running since the normally closed contact RXl, now open, disconnects the sweep motor contact SK from its source of power. Similarly, normally closed contacts RXZ now open, prevent the table motor contactor TR from being energized through level 4 of stepping switch SR1. However, at this time the TA cam switches have been actuated since cams TA TA2 are in an operating position, and therefore as switch TAT is closed, the table motor contactor TR will remain energized until the table drive shaft 152 reaches the 350 degree point. The result of the energization of relay RX is that the sweep will be prevented from running and the table will continue to run at this point.

Actuating coil 3% of stepper relay SR1 will also be energized by operation of relay SRK through the circuit comprising, the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBI and 8C1, the S132 normally open contacts, now closed, the contacts of step 3 of level #3 of relay SR1, diode 366, normally closed contacts TF1, to contacts SRKZ, to diode 368, to the interruptor contacts 3M and thence to the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1. This circuit will cause stepper relay SR1 to step from step 3 to step 4. When the stepper reaches step 4 it will immediately step to step 5 by means of the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBl and SCI and contacts SE2 now closed, the contacts of step 4 of level #3 diode 366, normally closed contacts TF1, contacts SRK2, diode 370, to interruptor contacts 304 and coil 3% of stepper relay SR1. Similarly, when the stepper reaches step 5, it will step immediately to step 6 through the circuit again comprising a parallel combination of cam switches TBI and SCI, contacts SE2, the contacts of step 5 of level #3, contacts TF1, contacts SRK2, diode 370 to interruptor contacts 3% and coil 3% of stepper relay SR1. The same circuit will cause stepper relay SR1 to step immediately off step 6 to step 7. Once again it will immediately advance from step 7 to step 8 through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches T131 and SCIl, contacts S132, contacts SRKZ, diode 37th, to interruptor contacts 3% and the coil 3% of stepper relay SR1. The stepper relay will immediately advance from step 8 to step 9 by means of the circuit including diode 3'72, contacts TF1, contacts SRK2, diode 370, to interrupter contacts 34M and energizing coil 300 of stepper relay SR1.

Relay RX has been maintained in an energized condition, while stepper switch SR1 has been advancing from step 3 to step 9 through the same circuits that energized stepper coil 3%, except that the path for energizing relay RX was through diode 368 instead of diode 370. When the stepper relay has reached step 9, relay RX is deenergized. Therefore, the sweep S will commence to operate since the sweep contactor SK will be energized by the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TBll and SCI, normally closed contacts 13 SAM, and the contacts of step relay SR1.

When the table T reaches its 350 degree position, and cam TA has returned cam switches TA1, TA2, to their normal condition, and assuming that there are 10 pins in the lower level of pin storage bin 6, and that relay TPR is de-energized, the stepper will move from step 9 to step 10 through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TBI and SCI, normally closed contact TAZb, normally closed contact TPRx of relay TPR, the contacts of step 9 of level #3 of relay SR1 to the interruptor contact-s 304 and coil 300 of stepper relay SR1.

, On step 10, the sweep S will continue to operate since sweep motor contactor SK is maintained through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed contacts'TBI and SCI, normally closed contact SAIa, and thecontacts of step 10 of level #2 of relay SR1. Atthe 186 degree position of sweep motor shaft rotation, the SB cam will return its associated, normally closed switch SBI to its normal condition. Since by this time the pins have been transferred to spotting cups CI-10 in'the same manner as described in the second ball cycle, relay TPR will again be closed and the table motor 150 will begin to run through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBI and SCI, normally closed contact SBI, contacts TPRb, the contacts of step 10 of level #4 of stepper relay SR1, normally closed contacts RX2 to the coil of table motor contactor TR.

9 of level #2 of stepper .-On step IO, as previously described in the second ball cycle, relay SP will be energized through the circuit comprising the lparallel combination of normally closed cam Switches TBI and SCI, normally closed contacts TA2b, normally closed contacts RX2, the contacts of step 10 of level #6 of stepper relay SR1 to the coil of relay SP. It should be noted that the SP relay was not energized as the stepper relay stepped through step 6. At that time relay RX was energized; therefore contacts RX2 were opened, thereby opening the circuit for the coil of relay SP. Similarly, during the first ball cycle, when step 6 was reached, the coil of SP relay was not energized because at that time the TA cam had just actuated associated camswitches TA1, TA2, opening normally closed switch TA2b and consequently, the circuit to SPrelay was not completed at that time either.

Continuing now with the strike cycle sequence, as the tablemotor contactor TR is energized, and relay SP is now energized, spot solenoid 166 will be energized and respot solenoid 246 will be de-energized through the respective closure of contacts SP2, and opening of contacts of SP1. The table T will then start its spotting motion. Once again, before the table reaches its 105 ,degree position, the sweep will have cleared the 256 degree position. Therefore normally closed switches TBI and, SCI are not open at the same time, and the motion of table T and sweep S is continuous. The sweep S returns to its guard position at. 270 degrees when the SA cam operates to interrupt the circuit to the sweep motor contactor SK, as normally closed contacts SAIa are now open, and the table T continues to operate, spotting a new set of pins and continuing its travel until it reaches the 260 degree position at which time the TA- cam operates its associated switches TA1, TA2. At this point, since cam switch SE2 is now open, and normally closed cam switch TA2b is now open, both of the holding circuits for relay SRK are open, thereby de-energizing this relay. Closing of normally open cam switch con- .tacts TAZa will energize the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1 through the contacts of step 10 of level #1, thereby advancing the stepper relay from step 10 to its position. On step 0, the sweep S will return from its guard posi tion to its normal 0 degree position since the sweep motor contactor SK will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBI and SCI, the normally open cam switch SAIb which is now closed, and the contacts of step 0 of level #2 of stepper relay SR1. The table motor will continue to run on step 0 since cam switch TA1 is closed, thereby energizing the table motor contactor TR. When the table and sweep return to their 0 positions, the machine is again ready for the receipt of a first hall.

Foul cycle When the bowler commits a foul in the process of delivering his ball, a conventional foul detecting device of the type such as shown in Roger E. Dumas et al., US. Patent No. 2,683,602 for Foul Detecting and Signalling Mechanism, will deliver an AC. signal for a duration of about 12 seconds, which will energize the coil of a foul relay F. If the foul is committed during the delivery of a first ball in a cycle, then when the ball hits the impact cushion M, switch SS is closed and the stepper relay SR1 will advance to step 1 in the normal manner. The sweep S will also run down to its guard position .in the normal manner, stopping at 66 degrees whereupon it causes cam switch SBZ to operate. When switch SB2 closes, then relay RX is energized through the circuit comprising the parallel arrangement of normally closed cam switches TBI and SCI, contacts SBZ, the contacts of step 1 of level #3, normally open contacts F1, associated with foul relay F, to the coil of relay RX. When relay RX is energized, the table T and sweep S are prevented from operating in the manner previously described, due to the opening of normally closed contacts RXI and RX2. Once energized, relay RX remains energized on step I through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of .normally closed cam switches TBI and SCI, normally open contacts S132 now closed, the contacts of step 1 of level #3, diode 374,

contacts RX3 now closed, diode 368, to the coil of relay RX. As soon as relay RX is energized, the stepper immediately advances from step 1 to step 2 through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam contacts TBI and SCI, contacts 8B2, the contacts of step 1 of level #3, diode 374, contacts RX3, diode 370 to interruptor contacts 304 and the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1.

The stepper continues to advancewithout pause from step 2 to step 5 through the circuit just described except that diode 374 is now by-passed. During the time that the stepper relay is moving through these steps, relay RX remains energized through the same circuit, except that in this case diode 368 closes the circuit path instead of diode 370. It should be noted that due to the blocking action of diode 368, relay F can energize relay RX only on step 1. Consequently, if a foul is committed after the completion of the time delay which would normally step the stepper SR1 from step 1 to step 2, this foul will have no effect on the normal operation of the machine. Again, due to the blocking action of diode 366, relay RX' will be deenergized and the stepper will be prevented from advancing further when it reaches step 5. On step 5, since relay RX has been de-energized, the sweep S will start to operate through the circuit including contacts SAIa and the contacts of step 5 of level #2 of relay SR1.

Again assuming that there are 10 pins in the lower level of the pin storage bin 6 at the time that the stepper relay reaches step 5, as indicated by the fact that the TPR relay (not shown) is de-energized, the stepper relay SR1 will then step from step 5 to step 6 through the circuit including contacts TA2b, contacts TPR, diode 376, and the contacts of step 5 of level #1 of stepper relay SR1, to interuptor contacts 394 and coil 360.

When the stepper reaches step 6, relay RX is deenergized and the table is still in its 0 degree position. Therefore, relay SP will be energized through the circuit including contacts TAZb, contacts RX2, and the contacts of step 6 of level #6 of stepper relay SR1 to the coil of relay SP. When the SP relay is energized, associated contacts will cause the cups 32 of pin storage section to deliver 10 pins to the spotting cups C110 in the manner disclosed and describedin detail in copending Henry C. Congeli, Gordon W. Hayes, Harold A. Jones, and Roy Blewitt, Jr., application SN. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism. At this time, and as disclosed in this application, relay TPR is reenergized.

Therefore, with relays SP and TPR energized, indicating that there are ten pins on the table, as soon as the sweep S reaches the 186 degree position, returning the SB cam switch to its normal position, the table T starts to spot the new set of pins with the spot solenoid 166 energized, since the table motor contactor TR will be energized by the circuit including contacts SE1, TPRb, and the contacts of step 6 of level #4 of stepper relay SR1, the contacts RXZ to the coil of contacts TR. The sweep has continued to run on step 6 through the circuit comprising the parallel arrangement of normally closed cam switches TBl and SC1, SAla and the contacts of step 6 of level #1 of stepper relay SR1. When the sweep reaches the 270 degree position, the SA cam will open the normally closed contacts SA1a and stop the sweep in its guard position. The table, however, will continue to run until it reaches the 260 degree point at which time the TA cam will operate switches TA1 and TAZ. When TA1 closes, as mentioned heretofore, the table will continue to run until it reaches its position. When switch TAZa closes on step 6, the stepper coil 3% of relay SR1 is energized through this circuit including contacts TAZa, step 6 of level #1 of stepper relay SR1 to interrupter contacts 304 and thence to the coil 3%, thereby advancing the stepper from step 6 to step 7.

Assuming that the ball has been returned to the bowler at the time that step 7 is reached, the sweep will again return to its 0 position through the circuit including the parallel arrangement of normally closed contacts TBI and SCI, SAlb now closed, and the contacts of step 7 of level #2 of stepper relay SR1. When the sweep and table return to their 0 positions as indicated by the operation of the SA and TA cam switches, they will stop, and the machine will be in the ready for second ball condition, although it has just spotted a new set of pins.

Tenth frame Spare When a bowler makes a spare on the tenth frame of a game, he is entitled under the rules to an additional ball. As a result of rolling this ball, the machine goes through a normal first ball cycle and comes to rest, ready .ior the second ball of a frame. In order to manually cycle the machine and place it in readiness for the first ball of a frame, i.e. the first ball of the next frame, there is provided a manually operable switch T1310 which causes the machine to spot a new set of pins regardless of whether it is in the ready for first ball or ready for second ball condition.

Switch TBltl may also be made available to an alley maintenance man by mounting a similar switch parallel thereto at the end of the alley where the machine is located, so that it will allow the maintenance man to cycle the machine when desired. In the case of the tenth frame spare, since a second ball is not permitted after the rolling of the additional ball, the machine must be cycled so as to prepare it ready for a first ball of the next frame. The circuitry of the manually initiated cycling of the machine will now be described.

Assume that the machine is in the ready for first ball condition when push button P310 is operated. In that case, relay TF will be energized through a circuit including contacts TAZb, contacts RXZ, step 0 of level #6 of stepper switch SR1, push button PBltl, tothe coil of relay TF. Once energized, relay TF willremain energized through the circuit comprising normallyclosed contact TAZb, contacts TF2, to the coil of the T F relay. The coil 360 of stepper relay SR1 is energized as soon 16 as relay TF becomes energized by the circuit including contacts SAla, contacts TF3, and the contacts of step 0 of level #1 to interruptor contacts 304 and thence to coil 306 of stepper relay SR1. The stepper relay therefore advances to step 1.

On step 1 the sweep runs down to the guard or 66 degree position in the normal manner thereby actuating the SB cam switches. When switch SB2 is closed on step 1, relay RX becomes energized through the circuit including the contacts of step 1 of level #3, diode 374, diode 376, contacts TF4 now closed, diode 368, to the coil of relay RX. The energizing of relay RX de-energizes the table and sweep motor coutactors TR and SK respectively, in the manner previously described. It may be noted that relay RX will remain energized through steps 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of level #3 by means of the circuit previously described. Similarly, the stepper coil 300 will be energized through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of cam switches TBI and SCI, cam switch S132, and steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and '6 of level #3, rectifier's 3'74, 3&6, contacts TF4 and diode 370. Therefore, the stepper will immediately advance to step 7.

On step 7, stepper coil 300 will be energized by the circuit including contacts SAla, contacts TF3, the contacts of step 7 of level #i of stepper relay SR1, advancing it to step 8. The stepper will immediately move off of step 8 and relay RX will be re-ene'rgized on this step by the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TB1 and SCI, contacts 5132, the contacts of step 8 of level #3, diode 372, contacts TF4, diode 370 for energizing the stepper relay SR1, and diode 368 for energizing relay RX. Therefore, the stepper relay will advance immediately to step On step 9, relay RX will be de-energized and the sweep will therefore start to run, through the circuit including contacts SAla, and the contacts of step 9 of level #2. Again, assuming that there are 10 pins in spotting cups CI-ltl indicated by the TPR relay being deenergized, stepper relay SR1 will advance from step 9 to step 10 by the circuit including normally closed contact TA2b, contacts TPRx, and the contacts of step 9 of level #l.

When the stepper reaches step .10, relay SP will be energized, causing cups 32 to rotate and drop a set of pins into spotting cups C110. The sweep will continue to run as normal on step 10 through to the completion of its run-through. However, when the sweep reaches 186 degrees and the SB cam returns to its normal position, the table will start to spot a set of pins in the manner previously described. After the pins have been spotted, and the table reaches the 260 degree point operating the TA cam switches, relay TF will become de-energ'ized since the holding circuit comprising the parallel arrangement of normally closed contacts T131 and SCI and the contact TAZZ), and contacts TF2 will be interrupted by the opening of normally closed contacts TA2b. The closing of normally open contacts T A2a will cause the stepper to advance to step 0 in the manner previously described and the sweep and table will return to their normal 0 position and the machine will again be ready for a first ball cycle.

It may be readily seen that if the tenth frame push button PBltl is operated when the machine is in the ready for second ball condition, then relay TF will be energized through step 7 of level #6 and the stepper will be advanced from step 7 to step 8 through contacts TF3 and the contacts of step 7 of level #1. Thence, when the sweep reaches the 66 degree position closing cam switch contacts S32, the stepper will be advanced from step 8 to step 9 through contacts TF4 and the contacts of step 8 of level #3 and the remainder of the cycle will be as previously described.

Ofi-limit pin cycle circuitry for the off-limit or out-of-range pin cycle, which is instituted when a bowler, if in bowling his first ball, moves a pin beyond the respot range of the machine. If such an event occurs, then, when the bowlers ball reaches the cushioning device M, the normal cycle will commence and the stepper relay SR1 will move from step to step 1 in the same manner as the normal first ball cycle. The sweep S will then come down, and at the completion of the normal time delay, the stepper relay will advance to step 2 and the table T will start to descend to pick up the standing pins. These functions are all the same as in a normal first ball cycle.

When the table T contacts the head of a pin which has moved beyond the limit of the normal respot range of the grippers G, the descent of the table T itself will be stopped. However, the table motor 150 will continue to run in accordance with the action described in copending Henry C. Congelli, Gordon W. Hayes, Harold A. Jones and Roy E. Blewitt, Jr., application S.N. 195,923, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Storage and Delivery Mechanism. When the table T is prevented from descending while the table motor is running, a switch OS, which is located on the eccentric drive mechanism for the table, is actuated (FIG. 2). For a more detailed description of the location and mechanical operation of switch OS, reference may be made to copending Congelli and Hayes application, Serial No. 195,926, filed May 18, 1962, entitled Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism in which switch OS is designated by reference numeral 175.

The actuation of switch OS causes relay OSR to be actuated through a circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TB1 and SCI, TA2b, contacts RX2, and the contacts of step 2 of level #6 of stepper relay SR1, the switch OS, diode 378, to the coil of relay OSR. Once energized, relay OSR remains energized through its own holding contacts OSRI, and normally closed cam switch contacts TA2b and the parallel combination of T131 and SCI. When relay OSR is energized, the stepper SR1 will advance immediately from step 2 to step 3 to step 4 through the circuit including cam contact TA2b, contacts RX2, the contacts of steps 2 and 3 of level #6, contacts OSRZ, interruptor contacts 304 to the coil 300 of stepper relay SR1.

Simultaneously, when the OSR relay actuates, relay SR will be actuated through the circuit comprising the parallel combination of normally closed cam switches TBI and SCI, normally closed cam switch SAla, contacts OSR3, to the coil of relay SR. When relay SR is energized, the start winding 319 of the sweep motor 177 is reversed since contacts SR1 and SR2 become closed and their complementary, normally closed contacts SR3 and SR4 are opened. Consequently, when relay SK becomes energized, the sweep motor 177 will run in the reverse direction.

On step 4, the table motor 150 will continue to run even though the table T itself is halted and rests momentarily on the off-spot pins. Damage to the table is prevented by the novel mechanism fully described in c0- pending Henry C. Congelli and Gordon W. Hayes application SN. 195,926, filed May 18, 1962, for Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism. The circuit for continuing the actuation of the table motor 150 includes the contacts of step 4 of level #4, contacts RXZ, to the coil of contactor TR. The sweep motor contactor SK will also be energized on step 4 through the circuit including cam switch SAla, and the contacts of step 4 of level #2 to the coil of sweep motor contactor SK. Since the sweep motor 177 is now running in reverse, it will rise from its 66 degree position, which is where it stopped on step 1, to the 0 degree position at which point the SA cam will operate the SA cam switch SA1a, thereby opening the circuit to sweep motor contactor SK and stopping the sweep S. Simultaneously, the circuit to the SR relay will be also interrupted, thereby returning the sweep motor start winding 319 to its normal forward running condition.

When the table T reaches 260 degrees, the TA cam will 18 operate the TA1 and TA2 cam switches. Operation of cam switch TAZa will cause the stepper to advance from step 4 through steps 5 and 6 to step 7 by means of the circuit comprising the parallel combination of TBI and SCI, contacts TAZa now closed, the contacts of step 4 of level #3 to interruptor contacts 304 and coil 300. On step 5 the same circuit is completed, except that the contacts of step 5 are connected to contacts TA2a through diode 358. On step 6 the circuit is the same as for step 4. The table will therefore continue to run through the closure of contacts TA2a until it reaches its normal 0 position. i

The machine will now be in the ready for second ball condition with the stepper relay SR1 resting on step 7. During this cycle, none of the pins on the alleyspin deck B have been disturbed. If the bowling of the first ball caused some dead wood to remain on the deck, it will therefore be necessary for the bowler to call an attendant to remove this deadwood. However, if no deadwood remains on the deck, the bowler may continue his second ball without the necessity for any action on the part of the attendant.

While the present invention has been disclosed by means of specific illustrative embodiments thereof, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in the means of operation described or in the apparatus, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a bowling pin spotting machine of the type having a movable table with a plurality of pin spotting and respotting devices, a movable sweep and associated electrical control circuits for etfecting concurrent operation of said table and said sweep during each ball operating cycle of said machine and having time delay means operative in response to the rolling of a ball of a playing frame for delaying the energization of said sweep and table control circuits for a predetermined interval, in combination, master control circuit means connected to said sweep and table control circuits and operative in response to the rolling of each ball of a frame and after said timing interval has elapsed to program said table and said sweep through a predetermined bowling game playing cycle, and circuit means responsive to the rolling of a foul connected to said master control programming circuit means for causing said master control means to program said machine through a foul cycle, said master programming means including circuit means operative in response to the termination of said timing interval for preventing said master programming means from programming a foul cycle, whereby subsequent actuation of said foul responsive means is prevented from affecting the operation of said machine during the programming of a normal ball operating cycle.

2. In a bowling pin spotting machine of the type having a movable table with a plurality of pin spotting and respotting devices mounted thereon, a movable sweep and electrical control mechanism including a multi-level stepper relay having a plurality of spaced contacts on each level and associated electrical control circuits for effecting concurrent operation of said table and said sweep during each ball operating cycle of said machine, one of said electrical control circuits being connected to selected contacts of a first level of said stepper relay for actuating said table, a second one of said electrical control circuits being connected to selected contacts of a second level of said stepper relay for actuating said sweep, master control circuit means including a third level of said relay contacts operative to activate said sweep and table control circuits for concurrent operation of said table and sweep during each ball operating cycle of said machine, means connected to said master control circuit and operative in response to the rolling of each ball of a frame for initiating the actuation of said relay, the improvement comprising,

in combination, means responsive to the rolling of a strike to cause said master control circuit to actuate said relay and to energize selected contacts of each level to program said table and said sweep through a strike cycle, and bypass circuit means operative in response to the establishment of a strike program for bypassing said master control means and selectively energizing said sweep and table control circuits in accordance with a strike cycle independent of the operating condition of said master control circuit means until said strike cycle is completed.

3. The invention defined in claim 2 wherein said bypass circuit means includes means operative to shift said stepper relay to a second ball cycle contact position wherein said sweep and table control circuits are interlockingly 20 pins and said table to spot a new set of pins independent of further control by said master control circuit means until said strike cycle is completed.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,650,095 8/ 1953 MacLagan 270-50 2,683,602 7/1954 Dumas et al. 273-50 2,692,139 10/1954 Dumas 27343 2,705,146 3/ 1955 Montooth et a1 273-43 2,736,554 2/1956 Fluke et a1 27343 2,983,510 5/1961 Blewitt 273-43 3,043,593 7/1962 Koci 27343 operative respectively to cause said sweep to sweep fallen 15 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINE OF THE TYPE HAVING A MOVABLE TABLE WITH A PLURALITY OF PIN SPOTTING AND RESPOTTING DEVICES, A MOVABLE SWEEP AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR EFFECTING CONCURRENT OPERATION OF SAID TABLE AND SAID SWEEP DURING EACH BALL OPERATING CYCLE OF SAID MACHINE AND HAVING TIME DELAY MEANS OPERATIVE IN RESPONSE TO THE ROLLING OF A BALL OF A PLAYING FRAME FOR DELAYING THE ENERGIZATION OF SAID SWEEP AND TABLE CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR A PREDETERMINED INTERVAL, IN COMBINATION, MASTER CONTROL CIRCUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID SWEEP AND TABLE CONTROL CIRCUITS AND OPERATIVE IN RESPONSE TO THE ROLLING OF EACH BALL OF A FRAME AND AFTER SAID TIMING INTERVAL HAS ELAPSED TO PROGRAM SAID TABLE AND SAID SWEEP THROUGH A PREDETERMINED BOWLING GAME PLAYING CYCLE, AND CIRCUIT MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE ROLLING OF A FOUL CONNECTED TO SAID MASTER CONTROL PROGRAMMING CIRCUIT MEANS FOR CAUSING SAID MASTER CONTROL MEANS TO PROGRAM SAID MACHINE THROUGH A FOUL CYCLE, SAID MASTER PROGRAMMING MEANS INCLUDING CIRCUIT MEANS OPERATIVE IN RESPONSIVE TO THE TERMINATION OF SAID TIMING INTERVAL FOR PREVENTING SAID MASTER PROGRAMMING MEANS FROM PROGRAMMING A FOUL CYCLE, WHEREBY SUBSEQUENT ACTUATION OF SAID FOUL RESPONSIVE MEANS IS PREVENTED FROM AFFECTING THE OPERATION OF SAID MACHINE DURING THE PROGRAMMING OF A NORMAL BALL OPERATING CYCLE. 